Device and method for controlling energy

Abstract

A method of irradiating a load comprising providing different amounts of energy at different frequencies by varying respective durations during which corresponding frequencies are transmitted. The method is useful for any form of heating including warming, drying and thawing using microwave and / or RF energy.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit under 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 193,248 filed 10 Nov. 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 253,893 filed 22 Oct. 2009 and is related to two PCT applications Agent References: 47408 and 47574 filed on 10 Nov. 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present application, in some embodiments thereof, is concerned generally with dissipation of electromagnetic (EM) energy in a load, and more particularly but not exclusively with RF heating, for example using microwave or UHF energy for thawing, heating and / or and cooking.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Heating objects using high frequency radiation is wide spread, and comprises the commonly used domestic microwave (MW) oven, as well as commercial ovens that use MW energy, mainly in combination with other means of heating, such as steam, hot air and infrared heating elem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an apparatus and method for irradiating a load with a specific frequency spectrum. The method involves controlling the amount of energy transmitted at each frequency by varying the duration of transmission for each frequency. This allows for precise control of energy dissipation in the load. The method can be performed at a fixed power transmission level or at a maximum power transmission level for each frequency. The resulting energy dissipation pattern can be controlled to achieve a desired outcome. The method can be performed at a resonance cavity or in a fixed duty cycle. The frequencies can be switched differentially or the overall duration of transmission can be varied to achieve the desired energy dissipation pattern. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more precise and effective method for irradiating a load with a specific frequency spectrum."

Problems solved by technology

Among the many problems associated with known MW ovens is a lack of uniformity in heating, which often results in hot spots and cold spots that reflect the standing wave within the cavity.

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